Hisham Munir

Hisham Munir

This archive highlights the work of one of Iraq's noted architects, Hisham Munir. Much of Munir's architectural documentation was left behind when the architect and his family left Baghdad; therefore, many of the buildings in this still developing collection are being recreated through oral histories with Munir, captured by the Aga Khan Documentation Center at MIT's staff.

Hisham Munir, founder of Hisham Munir and Associates, ranks among the most prominent architects in 20th century Iraq and is considered a pioneer in Iraqi modern architecture. His projects include buildings for education, health, administrative, governmental, banking, hospitality, tourism, housing, and agriculture, among others. He frequently partnered with The Architects Collaborative (TAC), as well as British, Brazilian, Canadian, Dutch, Italian and Swiss firms. Some of Munir's best known work includes the University of Mosul (1956), the Agricultural Complex (1975), the Iraqi Reinsurance Company in Baghdad (1976), Sheraton Hotels in Baghdad and Basra (1981), the Al-Sabah Complex in Kuwait (1976), and the Unknown Soldier Monument (1982). He is also a respected academic and one of the founders of the School of Architecture in the University of Baghdad, where he also taught and served as Dean.

In 2017, Hisham Munir was awarded the Tamayouz Lifetime Achievement Award. The prize, which was previously awarded to Iraqi architecture pioneers including Mohamed Makiya and Rifat Chadirji, honoring individuals who have made significant
contributions toward the advancement of architecture in Iraq1.